The Preacher's Wife

The Preacher's Wife
Cheryl St.John

Indulge your fantasies of delicious Regency Rakes, fierce Viking warriors and rugged Highlanders. Be swept away into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the centuriesThere was nothing remotely romantic about widowed father Samuel Hart's marriage proposal.Yet Josie Rolph said yes. The Lord had finally blessed the lonely widow with the family she'd always dreamed of. she was deeply in love with the hsome preacher, whose high ideals inspired everyone. Surely during their long journey across the western plains to his new post her husb would grow to love her.Each mile brought them closer to home, yet drove them further apart. Samuel didn't seem ready to open his heart again. But Josie was determined to be not just the preacher's wife, but Samuel's wife.

“Josie, I’m thinking that you and I could make a new start together.

“I want to do the very best I can for my family. I want to make up to them for what I’ve put them through. You’re so good with my daughters.”

A new start somewhere else? Her mind shot back to those words. “What are you saying?”

“I would be honored if you would marry me and come to Colorado with us,” he said.

The night sounds faded into the silent cocoon of her whirling mind and his words took over her thinking. Astonishment stole her breath. Marry him? He’d asked her to marry him?

He was handsome and smart. She’d witnessed his tenderness toward his children, listened to his strong words of love as he preached straight from the Word of God. This imposing and fascinating man sitting on her porch had proposed to her!

CHERYL ST.JOHN

A peacemaker, a romantic, an idealist and a discouraged perfectionist are the terms that Cheryl uses to describe herself. The award-winning author of both historical and contemporary novels says she’s been told that she is painfully honest.

Cheryl admits to being an avid collector, displaying everything from dolls to depression glass, as well as white ironstone, teapots, cups and saucers, old photographs and—most especially—books. When not doing a home-improvement project, she and her husband love to browse antique shops. In her spare time, she’s an amateur photographer and a pretty good baker.

She says that knowing her stories bring hope and pleasure to readers is one of the best parts of being a writer. The other wonderful part is being able to set her own schedule and have time to work around her growing family.

Cheryl loves to hear from readers! E-mail her at: SaintJohn@aol.com.

The Preacher’s Wife

Cheryl St.John

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

—Isaiah 55:11–12

With love and appreciation I dedicate this book to my

mentor, teacher, pastor, prayer partner, painting buddy

and friend, Betty Jo Marples. Special lady, you give

one hundred percent of yourself to all you do and to

everyone who knows you. Whether I need a listening

ear, an advocate or someone to tell me the straight

truth, I can depend on you. Your example encourages

me to look at others through the eyes of Jesus. You

always see the best in me, believe the best for me, and

expect the best from me. Thank you, friend.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Questions for Discussion